Nearly three-quarters of women would never consider asking their current boss for a pay rise, suggests a new study.
The study, conducted by Randstad, found that 72.2 per cent of women would never ask for a pay rise from their current boss, compared to 57.8 per cent of men.
Nearly half of those women who would not as for a rise, said they feared their request would be rejected, while 29.8 per cent of men said they feared their boss’s reaction. 46.7 per cent of women and 42.7 per cent of men said that they thought a pay rise request would jeopardise their current role.
The research also suggested that employees aged between 18 and 24 are most likely to have requested three or more pay rises in the past three years. The report suggests that this is due to their wage being the hardest to live on.
Employees in London, North East of England and Yorkshire & Humber are the most forthright about asking for pay increases; while those in East Anglia, the East Midlands and the North West are the least likely to ask for a pay rise.
Mark Bull, CEO of Randstad UK and Middle East, said, “Employers are working hard to promote equal pay and encourage women across all industries but there is still work to be done.”
“The pay gap may be the narrowest it has ever been but it still exists, and it seems women remain more reluctant than their male counterparts to ask for a raise.”
“It makes sound business sense for companies to address the issues still facing women in the workplace, including closing the pay gap, providing ongoing support for progression and rewards for achievements.”
“Companies that do promote women and actively help them progress are giving themselves access to a greater pool of talent, making the most of their workforce, boosting growth and positively affecting their bottom line.”
Concluding, Bull said,“Ultimately though, there has never been a better time for working women, whatever industry they’re in.”
“Working practices are evolving constantly and there will come a time when equal pay is a reality.”
“They may be confronted with attitudes which have no place in modern business but by being confident and asking a pay rise or fighting for the same promotion, development and opportunities as their male colleagues they can help those attitudes stay in the past where they belong.”
